Holden’s Utester: The Convertible Commodore Ute That Never Made it

Holden, a renowned automobile manufacturer, once toyed with the idea of producing a unique vehicle that would have added a fresh twist to its lineup. The concept in question was the Holden Commodore convertible ute, known as the Utester. This innovative design, based on the Commodore platform, aimed to blend the practicality of a ute with the style and thrill of a convertible.

The Utester boasted a convertible feature with a removable glass roof, a power-operated rear window, and a tonneau cover, all designed to enhance the driving experience. Holden had plans to introduce this model to the market at a premium price compared to the standard VU Commodore ute, with additional features such as a restyled cabin, DVD player, and video monitor.

The management at Holden envisioned the Utester as a way to tap into the youth and recreational market while also expanding their reach in the commercial segment. Despite the initial excitement surrounding this concept, production challenges and high costs ultimately led to the shelving of the project in late 2002. The Utester never progressed beyond the prototype phase, remaining a fascinating piece in Holden’s history.

Designed by a talented team led by Peter Hughes and under the guidance of chief designer Mike Simcoe, the Utester showcased a blend of style and functionality. Its distinctive features included a removable glass panel roof, a solid tonneau lid, and a powerful V8 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. While the Utester never made it to production, some elements of its design influenced future Holden models, highlighting its impact on the brand’s design language.

Today, the Utester stands as a symbol of Holden’s innovative spirit, displayed at the National Motor Museum in South Australia. This concept, though never realized commercially, represents Holden’s foray into unique and daring automotive concepts. While it may not have graced the roads as originally intended, the Utester remains a testament to Holden’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in the automotive industry.